[SatNews] The ‘Civil Space Strategy’ setting out the direction for the U.K. space sector over the next four years…
…has just been launched. The Strategy sets out the U.K. Space Agency’s framework supporting the growth of the sector over the next four years. The Civil Space Strategy was formally launched by the Minister for Universities and Science to the international space community, gathered for Space Day at Farnborough. David Willetts discussed the Strategy in his speech to the Space Conference as well as revealing the latest results of the Size and Health of the U.K. Space Sector. “The bigger picture, of course, is making sure that space continues to be a key enabler of economic growth—and that’s the central goal of the revised Civil space strategy that I am publishing here today. The document, covering the next four years, focuses on creating new opportunities for industry, bolstering the role of space in the U.K.’s infrastructure and furthering the National Space Technology Program.”
With growth rates of 7.5 percent over the 2010/2011 period, the space sector is a rare bright light in a difficult economic climate. The Civil Space Strategy lays out how the U.K. Space Agency will work with partners both at home and abroad to build capabilities in the years to come. The strategy emphasizes driving space to generate economic growth in downstream services derived from space, while maintaining excellence in science and the ability to build and operate satellites.
The Minister was joined on stage by the Italian Minister for Education, Universities and Research, Francesco Profumo; the heads of the Italian and Russian Space Agencies, Enrico Saggese and Vladimir Popovkin; and Andy Green, Co-Chair of the U.K. Space Leadership Council. Dr. David Williams, Chief Executive of the U.K. Space Agency, welcomed the speakers to the stage to discuss the future of space and international collaboration.
The document, which will be published every four years, has been updated to reflect the last two years of achievements since the U.K. Space Agency was established as an executive body, holding its own budget. It formalizes the work already begun, for example through the National Space Technology Program which targets investment towards innovation with a commercial goal. The Agency will also continue to pursue new knowledge through the U.K.’s science program. This strategy sets the approach the Agency will take in order to meet the ambitious targets for capture 10 percent of the global space market by 2030.
